Organ Harvesting: Ebonyi State Government Backs Ekweremadu

The government of Ebonyi State has issued a statement saying that it stands firmly with the embattled former Nigerian Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu in the ongoing organ harvesting scandal.

Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice are standing trial in London after a young man, David Ukpo Nwamini reported to the Metropolitan Police that he was trafficked to the UK by the couple without any brief about the purpose for his trip.

David is said to have told the authorities that he is a 15-year-old victim of exploitation.

The passport with which a visa was issued him, sponsored by Ekweremadu indicated that he is 21.

However, his younger brother told Vanguard that David is 25 while he will turn 22 in July.

Speaking on the development and the twists and turns of the story, the Ebonyi State Government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, said it stands with Ekweremadu’s family in their trying time.

“While we urge the UK Government to act progressively and meticulously and critically look at the intention (Mens rea) and the minds of the detained family and please give them the benefit of the doubt, we enjoin the public especially those with shades of opinions and surge of anxieties to remain calm as we hope to see light at the end of the tunnel.

“The State Government is reaching out to the family of David Okemini Ukpo from Ebonyi State, whose information to the Metropolitan Authority of UK orchestrated the criminal charge incidented against the Distinguished Senator and his wife.

“The State Government stands with Senator Ike Ekweremadu at this trial moment and hopes that the truth and nothing but the truth shall guide the outcome of the matter”.

Also, a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Ugbala to the British High Commission Abuja and Nigeria High Commission, London said Ukpo was not a minor as the Metropolitan earlier reported.

According to the statement, Ukpo’s younger brother, who he (Ukpo) was living with is above 20 years of age.